Robert A. Clifford

Robert A. Clifford is the founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, one of the nation’s premier personal injury law firms. Recognized globally for its legal excellence, the firm has secured over $5 billion in settlements and verdicts for clients. Mr. Clifford’s leadership has impacted aviation, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury litigation.

A leader in aviation law, Mr. Clifford has represented victims in every major U.S. commercial airline crash since 1979. He serves as Lead Counsel in the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX-8 crash litigation, fighting for the families of the 157 victims from 35 countries. His legal work extends to historic cases, including representing families impacted by the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Mr. Clifford earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 1976 and was later awarded a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the same institution in 2003. He also holds a degree from DePaul University College of Commerce, which he earned in 1973. Under his leadership, his firm has been nationally ranked by Best Law Firms® and recognized as one of the “50 Elite Firms in the Country” by The National Law Journal. A distinguished legal professional, Mr. Clifford has received numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition as one of Forbes’ America’s Top 200 Lawyers.

For 12 years, Mr. Clifford has been ranked the #1 lawyer in Illinois by Super Lawyers®, setting a state record. He has also been named to Lawdragon’s Hall of Fame and recognized as one of America’s Most Influential Trial Lawyers. His expertise spans aviation law, medical malpractice, product liability, and mass tort litigation.

Beyond litigation, Robert A. Clifford is a dedicated legal advocate and philanthropist. He has influenced public policy changes and championed consumer safety initiatives. His firm’s legal excellence continues to safeguard the rights of individuals and families nationwide, reinforcing his reputation as a top-tier trial attorney and industry leader.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder and Senior Partner, Clifford Law Offices PC.
• Member, American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Member, American Bar Association (ABA)
• Member, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Member, The American Law Institute (ALI)
• Member, American Society of Law and Medicine
• Member, Chicago Bar Association (CBA)

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• DePaul University, College of Law
  Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa
• DePaul University, College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• DePaul University, College of Commerce

Awards & Badges